Meet Danielle Gregory, Ward Manager at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading. Danielle, who has worked at the hospice for 14 years, leads a team of Sue Ryder Nurses and staff in the hospice’s 15-bed inpatient unit. Here, she tells us about her role and why she loves what she does.

Jean Piper’s husband Clive was cared for at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice eleven years ago and Jean embarked on the ‘Dive for Clive’ skydive in his memory. Even when she herself was diagnosed with leukaemia she continued fundraising and volunteering in the Wheatfields shop, and it is that determination which saw her presented with the Sue Ryder Incredible Colleagues Award for Overcoming Obstacles last year.

Kirsty McEwen ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise money for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice which cared for her mum, Julie, in her final days. Despite the rain and the mud on the day, Kirsty knocked 13 minutes off her previous best time and succeeded in raising an amazing £1,105.

After eight years working in the painting and decorating industry Anthony Swan, 29, realised he had missed his true vocation and made the tough decision to retrain as a nurse. Now employed as a Registered Nurse at Sue Ryder’s Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds, he has teamed up with NHS England to help drive a new approach to person-centred care.

Lee Jackson signed up for a trek to the Great Wall of China after his mum Jean received end-of-life care at Sue Ryder’s Manorlands Hospice. He explains why he was determined to give back to the Manorlands team who cared for Jean, how his trip turned out to be a cathartic experience and how comforting Manorlands' bereavement counselling has been for him since Jean's death.

For Year of the Nurse, where we celebrate the important work of our Sue Ryder Nurses, we begin by talking with Jacqui Ackroyd, who has been appointed St John's Hospice's new Developmental Ward Manager. “I am honoured to be a nurse and I am proud to work at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice.”

Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice are opening their doors in February for a one-off chance to view the wonderful snowdrops emerging around its historic grounds, as part of their beautiful Snowdrop Walk Open Garden​​​​​​​ to help raise funds for local families.